Heads of State from the East African Community (EAC) will this Saturday meet in Bujumbura to assess the security situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC.
“EAC Heads of State are tomorrow, 4th February 2023, convening in Bujumbura, Republic of Burundi, for the 20th Extra-Ordinary Summit of EAC Heads of State. Agenda: Evaluation of the Security Situation in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo & Way Forward,” EAC Secretary General Dr Peter Mathukie said in a statement.
The meeting comes barely two weeks after EAC called on all parties in DRC to establish an immediate ceasefire, respect international law, and ensure the safety and security of civilians, in order to enable a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.
This is after an attack on worshippers at a church in Kasindi Town, North Kivu carried out on Jan 15 left several people dead and scores of others injured.
In a statement at the time, Dr. Mathuki conveyed EAC’s solidarity with President Fèlix Tshisekedi, the Government, and the people of DRC.
“The Secretary General strongly condemns this cowardly and heinous crime and extends his sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the people and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.”
He said EAC is committed to the restoration of peace in Eastern DRC and has extended its full support in the pursuit of a sustainable solution to the protracted security situation.
The EAC Secretary General restated the call by EAC Heads of State for all local armed groups in Eastern DRC to embrace consultations, lay down their arms, and join the political process.
Further, he reiterated the full respect for the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo and restates the commitment to the utilisation of existing regional and global frameworks to address conflict.
Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK